StuRents Q2-2026 Webinar: Poll Results
Sector sentiment and attendee poll
We recently hosted our Q2-2026 webinar, where we explored the latest student accommodation trends and insights and shared our outlook on what lies ahead for the industry. Here, we look at sector sentiment through attendee poll answers and compare them to the results of our Q1-2026 webinar — hosted in March.
If you missed the webinar, you can request access to the full recording.
Note: The analysis is based on approximately 100 responses for each question.
PBSA Rental Growth Expectations
The first question asked attendees about their expectations for PBSA rental growth in the 2026-27 academic year. Just over half believed there would be 1-2% growth, with 24% expecting less than 1%. Around 23% anticipated 3-4% growth, while none expected 5% or above. The outlook reflects wider national trends toward conservatism.
Q1 results showed 52% predicted 1-2% growth, 16% expected less than 1%, 30% expected 3-4%, and 2% expected 5% or more.
HMO Rental Growth Expectations
Regarding HMO rental growth for 2026-27, 2% of attendees expected less than 1% growth, 40% predicted 1-2%, 33% anticipated 3-4%, and 5% thought it would reach 5% or more.
This question was not included in the previous webinar.
Overall Market Sentiment
When asked how their views of the student accommodation market had shifted in the last quarter, 18% became more optimistic. However, more than half expressed negative sentiment overall, following a difficult year for occupancy and uncertain student demand patterns.
Q1 results showed just 15% feeling more optimistic.
Aggregated Sentiment Analysis
Combining responses numerically across all three questions, approximately 66% of respondents indicated negative or pessimistic sentiment overall. This represents a slight improvement from the previous webinar's 74%, though optimistic sentiment decreased from 25% to 14%.
While planning activity and investment have slowed, some markets continue facing genuine shortages in student beds. Identifying these locations through quality data is essential for capitalising on early opportunities.
For more information about proprietary UK student accommodation data, contact the StuRents Research team. Book a demo of our Data Portal or inquire about our Occupancy Survey.